Pennsylvania stretches from the Delaware River to the Ohio border, encompassing historic Philadelphia, dynamic Pittsburgh, the scenic Pocono Mountains, the rolling Amish farmlands of Lancaster County, and some of the most important Revolutionary and Civil War battlefields in the United States. It is one of the original 13 colonies, home to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Gettysburg National Military Park.
Pennsylvania presents typical urban safety considerations in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, while rural destinations like Lancaster County, Gettysburg, and the Pocono Mountains are very safe. Philadelphia's tourist zones (Old City, Rittenhouse Square, Center City) are well-policed and generally safe. North Philadelphia and parts of West Philadelphia and Kensington have elevated crime rates and should be avoided by tourists. Pittsburgh's tourist areas — Downtown, Strip District, Oakland, and South Side — are safe with normal urban precautions.
Current safety advisory
Moderate — Safe For Informed Travelers
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) in separate locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Items
- Topic
- Medical Care
- Detail
- Pennsylvania has world-class medical facilities. Penn Medicine (Philadelphia), Jefferson Health (Philadelphia), UPMC (Pittsburgh), and Geisinger Health are major regional health systems. Jefferson Hospital ER at 111 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA; UPMC Mercy Hospital at 1400 Locust St, Pittsburgh, PA.
- Topic
- Pharmacies
- Detail
- CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid pharmacies are abundant statewide. Most are open until 10 PM; some CVS/Walgreens have 24-hour pharmacies in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
- Topic
- Water Safety
- Detail
- Philadelphia tap water is treated municipal water and generally safe to drink. Bottled water widely available; $1–$2 USD per bottle.
- Topic
- Tick/Lyme Disease
- Detail
- Pennsylvania consistently reports the highest number of Lyme disease cases in the US. When hiking or visiting wooded areas, wear long sleeves and pants, use DEET insect repellent, and do a full tick check after outdoor activity. Ticks are most active May–September.
- Topic
- Mosquitoes / West Nile Virus
- Detail
- West Nile Virus is present in Pennsylvania, particularly in urban/suburban areas in summer. Use DEET repellent at dusk; drain standing water from containers.
- Topic
- Air Quality
- Detail
- Philadelphia occasionally issues Air Quality Action Days in summer (ozone); check airnow.gov. Pittsburgh has historically had air quality challenges due to industrial legacy.
- Topic
- COVID-19
- Detail
- No specific COVID restrictions in Pennsylvania as of 2026. Masks optional; check individual venue requirements.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Items